Editorial

We evaluated the accuracy and predictive value of conventional BP measurements performed by primary care physicians in comparison with ABPM in a cross-sectional study of hypertensive patients in primary healthcare. We found that conventional BP measurements are less accurate than 24-hour ABPM.

There is evidence to show that high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) can increase cardiorespiratory fitness, lower blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce body fat. All these are important in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to progression of chronic kidney disease in a primary care service. Risk factors for progression of CKD were: diabetes, hypertension, uncontrolled systolic pressure and basal creatinine.

Since the introduction of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), GPs have been incentivised to keep a register of patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Such registers are only effective if they are audited regularly, since they are likely to contain errors and omissions. GRASP-HF is a new tool designed to help busy practices achieve a systematic approach to the identification, diagnosis and management of patients with HF.

"There are two objects of medical education: to heal the sick and to advance the science."

Through the support of NHS Improvement, Guidance on Risk Assessment for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (GRASP-AF) has been rolled out nationally. Nearly 2,000 practices have adopted the GRASP concept, representing an overall population of 13 million.

Exercise is a preventive tool in combating cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity: an extra 12 minutes a day could make a big difference.

In-house D-dimer testing and the Wells Score combined meant that cases were referred to secondary care only when patients were strongly suspected to have VTE or pulmonary embolism. Some 86% of VTE cases had properly documented risk assessment.